I have Microsoft Essentials virus protection. In your opinion, what all do I need to protect my PC from viruses, malware, etc.

Right now, I have a hard time navigating on pages because of many ads popping up.

Any tips on how to stop that and any other tips will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Get better virus protection for starters. Avast and Malwarebytes have free versions and if you like them and want to support them you can subscribe.

In your browser make sure you have popup blocker turned on.

Who provides your internet service?

AT&T provides my Internet Service.

Most cable providers have a very excellent virus protection and it's free, so surprised you haven't gotten it along with your internet package.

A good AV, and locking down your router are a good starting point. Running a Mac or linux box can help because exploits for these platforms are less prevalent in the wild. The biggest thing you can do is remain vigilant, and careful in your actions, any security precaution can be circumvented by the operator either intentionally or through bad habits.

I personally have a problem with Malwarebytes... it literally hosed up a brand new computer I built to the point I couldn't communicate beyond the ethernet port two days after installing it.

I had to do a system restore just to get it working again. But as others mentioned... these days you NEED more than an antivirus program. And the best one you can find. Which is a moving target because best for this year doesn't mean they will be best next year.

If your using Internet Explorer as your browser (or any browser for that matter) you should check for any toolbars that may have been added without your knowledge. A lot of freeware these days, even some good safe ones, come with added stuff it will install if you don't tell it not to. It works like this. They have several install options with the Express install, usually followed by (recommended), having the extra junk included. I always choose the Custom install so I get to see what they're trying to do to me. I don't blame them. After all its freeware and they try to make a little money on the side by installing other items for a small profit from the makers. Unless you use them uninstall all toolbars and extra crap like special search engines. Firefox has an add on called AdBlock Plus that should put a hamper on those pop ups if you use that browser. The site Filehippo is a safe place to get stuff, but always go the custom install route to be safe.

AT&T is my provider. I have dsl